Gauteng, South Africa
Passionate Mechanical Engineer with a Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering (Numerical modelling of phase-change cooling methods for electronics cooling applications) and a proven track record of leveraging Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) expertise to solve complex challenges in the mining, metal processing, and pyrometallurgical industries. Successfully utilised ANSYS Fluent and Siemens Star CCM+ to optimise industrial processes, ensuring operational efficiency and worker safety. Eager to apply skills and contribute to innovative solutions to address intricate thermal management challenges faced by cutting-edge technologies.
Mechanical Engineer specialising in solving complex thermal‑fluid problems in the pyrometallurgical, mining, and metals processing industries. I combine first principles engineering with advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to design and optimise systems where conventional rules of thumb or established design methods don’t exist.
As a Mechanical Engineer within the Specialised Engineering Group, I leverage expertise in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to develop unique solutions for complex fluid flow and heat transfer challenges in the pyrometallurgical, mining, and metal processing industries, fostering the development of new technologies. Experience: • Building ventilation optimisation for smelter and crusher plants. Conducted CFD investigations to guide louvre and fan placement to ensure worker safety in accordance with ASHRAE guidelines, and to mitigate overheating equipment. CFD results were validated with thermographs and measurements from the plants where possible. • Spray cooler design for platinum smelter off-gas handling system. Utilised CFD modelling to guide appropriate nozzle selection, positioning, ducting configuration, and material of construction selection to ensure structural integrity and safe working conditions in proximity of the spray cooler. • Water granulation system design for furnace slag granulation. Utilised CFD and first principles to design a water spray system to granulate, solidify and cool slag. • Air granulation system design for furnace slags and metals. Utilised steady and transient CFD modelling to address important design considerations. The CFD modelling effort incorporated various sets of physics, convective and radiative heat transfer with participating gases, latent heat (with a moving solidification front for the granules), and compressible flow effects in the highspeed jet. • Modelled furnace bath motion and heat transfer using CFD for a furnace rebuild feasibility study. CFD modelling effort incorporated conductive, convective, and radiative heat transfer as well as ohmic heating (Joule heating). • Contributed to heat exchanger optimisation for non-Newtonian fluids, analysis of slurry handling equipment in the mineral and sands industry, and research and development projects in the pyrometallurgical industry.
• Supported undergraduate courses in Mechanical Engineering, including Turbomachinery (MTV 420) and Thermoflow (MTV 310). • Provided instructional assistance by delivering practical presentations, grading assignments, tests, and exams. • Ensured accurate and timely feedback to students, fostering a positive learning environment.
December and January vacation work to gain experience in structural design, finite element analysis (Ansys) and inspection of structures.